APAI Officer Elections are Now Closed
Ballot closed Monday, May 19, 2025 at 5:30pm CST.
Results will be Announced Soon
Vice-President and Secretary position will be filled.
As the annual conference approaches, it is time to think about the upcoming officer nominations and elections. The official election will take place during the Annual Training Conference. Elected officers are announced at the Annual Business Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The business meeting will be held in conjunction with the Annual Awards Luncheon.
The APAI Constitution states that elected officers shall serve two-year terms and may not serve for more than two elected consecutive terms in the same office. The office of President and Treasurer shall become vacant on even numbered years, while the office of Vice-President and Secretary shall become vacant on odd numbered years (2025). Newly elected officers will assume their duties of office on July 1, 2025.
The APAI bylaws state,
“The Vice President shall, as directed by the President, be responsible for coordinating the activities of the Regional Vice Presidents and shall perform such other tasks as the President may assign”
The bylaws also state,
“The Secretary shall be responsible for taking and distributing all minutes from meetings of the Executive and the Annual Business meeting. The Secretary shall report all vote tabulations to the Executive Committee and Membership, unless otherwise noted in official Association documents. The Secretary shall serve as Executive Committee liaison to the Membership Committee and shall perform such other tasks as the President may assign.”
Vice-President Nominees
Name
Kecia Rongen
Title
Chair, Washington State Indeterminate Sentence Review Board
Parole Board/Releasing Authority and Years Served
Washington State Indeterminate Sentence Review Board / 12.5 years
Previous Experience
16 years within the juvenile justice system.
Previous Service with Professional Organizations
I have served as the Chair of the statewide Sex Offender Policy Board that made recommendations to the legislature and the Governor on policy related to both adult and juvenile sex offenders. I have served as a Board Member for the Washington State Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers. I am a Member of the Sentencing Guidelines Commission in Washington State. I have served as teh Vice President of APAI since 2022.
Other Relevant Biographic Information
Kecia has worked within the criminal justice system for over 25 years, specializing with individuals who have committed sex offenses as well as co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance abuse disorders). Just prior to coming to the Board, she served as the Administrator for Sexual Offender Programs within the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration. In addition, she has served on a number of legislative workgroups related to policies for people who commit sex offenses.
Kecia has served as the Chair of the statewide Sex Offender Policy Board twice, a Board Member for the WA Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (WATSA) and is currently the Vice-President for the Association of Paroling Authorities. In 2016, Kecia was awarded the Philip L. Russell Ph.D. Achievement Award for Outstanding Contributor to the Field of Sex Offender and Victim Rehabilitation by WATSA. Kecia has a BA in Psychology and a MA in Counseling. The Governor appointed Kecia to the Board in 2012 and appointed her as Chair in September of 2015.
What three issues do you believe are most important to the field of parole/early release?
Utilizing a structured decision making framework for decisions.
Understanding Trauma Informed Care for incarcerated individuals as well as staff that work for parole boards.
Creating standards for parole boards to implement.
How do you propose to promote APAI’s vision, to be the recognized voice for the highest professional standards of responsible parole/releasing practices?
I will continue to advocate that during the Executive Committee Meetings as well as while networking with other organizations.
Why do you believe you are the best candidate for this position?
I have been on Washington State's Board since 2012 and have served as Chair since 2015. During my term as Chair we have taken on anothher population to make release decisions on. We have fully implemented the Structured Decision Making Framework on all of our cases. I believe in leading with kindness, transparency and integrity. I have 29 years experience in the criminal justice field and close to 10 years as a Chair. I have served as the Vice President of APAI since 2022.
Name
Renee Schulte, MA, LMHC
Title
Parole Board Chair, State of Iowa
Parole Board/Releasing Authority and Years Served
State of Iowa / 4 years
Previous Experience
As a former legislator for the State of Iowa and a mental health therapist, I fill the codified mental health position on the Board. As a therapist for youth, I worked alongside juvenile detention, residential treatment, and diversion programs.
Previous Service with Professional Organizations
I have been an APAI member for several years. I completed the NIC Parole Board Chair Orientation Training in 2024. I have served in many capacities for national organizations like NAMI and have held officer positions in several local organizations.
Other Relevant Biographic Information
State of Iowa, State Representative (2009-2012)
Behavioral health system consultant (2012-present)
What three issues do you believe are most important to the field of parole/early release?
1) Expanding mental health and substance use supports to increase diversion opportunities and reduce recidivism.
2) Addressing housing and community treatment options for individuals with sex offense convictions.
3) Developing medical release pathways and specialized nursing facilities for aging incarcerated individuals.
How do you propose to promote APAI’s vision, to be the recognized voice for the highest professional standards of responsible parole/releasing practices?
I would promote APAI’s vision by developing a system that supports professionals in the field through ongoing online networking and resource-sharing opportunities between conferences. Additionally, I would establish focused committees to work on critical policy initiatives year-round, ensuring that actionable recommendations and best practices are presented to the full membership at each conference. This approach would foster continuous engagement, elevate professional standards, and strengthen APAI’s role as the recognized voice for responsible parole and release practices.
Why do you believe you are the best candidate for this position?
My unique background as a legislator and consultant brings a systems-level perspective to a challenging policy space. The future of prison and parole is evolving due to space and budget constraints, the implementation of evidence-based decision-making tools, and a growing reliance on data-informed practices. As a leader within an indeterminate parole system, I have navigated complex policy challenges, including juvenile lifer revocation considerations, third-party recording of public hearings, and the integration of data-driven decision-making into the parole process. I believe a strong policy advocate is essential to advancing the system in this dynamic environment.
Secretary Nominee
Name
Christopher L. Barnett
Title
Executive Director, Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles
Parole Board/Releasing Authority and Years Served
Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles / 22 years
Degrees
Associates in Business, Baton Rouge Community College
Previous Experience
Chris previously served with the Fulton County Police Department.
Previous Service with Professional Organizations
He currently serves as the Secretary for APAI and Chairman of the Standards and Resolutions Committee.
Other Relevant Biographic Information
He currently serves as the Secretary for the George Peace Office Standards and Training Council.
What three issues do you believe are most important to the field of parole/early release?
The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and it's impact on our profession. Balancing public safety with the science of reentry and the demands of the criminal justice system/community views. Stakeholder education and engagement (e.g. ensuring fair and equitable decision making by ensure members have all available information and data).
How do you propose to promote APAI’s vision, to be the recognized voice for the highest professional standards of responsible parole/releasing practices?
Enhance APAI's visibility among professionals in our field, highlighting the awesome opportunities APAI provides it's members. Tell our amazing story. Meet people and organizations where they are and show how their engagement with APAI can raise the entire field of executive clemency. Enhance our engagement with our international partners (e.g. exchanging of ideas and best practices, sponsorships for in-person engagements, etc.). APAI is "the" resource when it comes to professional standards in our field, we just need to ensure everyone knows who we are and what we can provide. I am excited and ready to take on this mission.
Why do you believe you are the best candidate for this position?
In my current role as Secretary for APAI and Chairman of the Standards and Resolutions Committee, I have had the privilege of contributing to the development and updating of key policies that seek to enhance the operations of APAI and support our members. Additionally, as the host of the 2025 APAI Training Conference, I am working diligently to ensure that the event will be both impactful and enriching for all attendees and showcase all APAI has to offer to our professionals in the field around the world.
With a professional background in law enforcement dating back to 1999, the last 22 years in executive clemency operations and now serving in my eleventh year as the Executive Director for the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, I am equipped to manage complex tasks, lead diverse teams, and communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
I am passionate about supporting APAI and if selected for this role, I would bring a collaborative spirit, a detail-oriented approach, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
Thank you for considering me for the Secretary position. I am excited about contributing to the Executive Committee and supporting the important work of APAI for years to come.
